Crispy Fried Smelt Fish

Crispy Fried Smelt Fish are easy to make in minutes and so tasty! They're crunchy, flavorful, and delicious as appetizers or quick dinners.

⏱ Prep: 0 min ⏱ Cook: 400 min

Ingredients

2 lb small smelt fish
0.75 cup flour
0.25 cup cornstarch
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.25 tsp pepper
0 canola oil
0 Dredge smelt fish in flour mixture to completely coat, shaking off excess flour

With your hands, gently pry open the head of the fish and carefully pull the gills along with the entrails. Rinse under cold running water and Drain it well.
Set a large pan on medium heat, heat about 2-inch deep of oil.
Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
Coat the smelt fish in the flour mixture so it's completely coat, shaking off excess flour
Add fish to hot oil and deep-fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Remove from heat and drain in a colander set over a bowl. Serve while hot.
Drain the fish well and Pat them dry with paper towels for the coating to adhere better.
For the best crunch, use enough oil to fully submerge the smelt and heat to an optimal temperature of 350 F to 375 F.
Do not overcrowd the pan and fry in batches as needed to keep the temperature from plummeting. Heat the oil back to 350 F before adding the next set.
Clean the oil with a strainer before adding the next batch to prevent it from burning.